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Re-Discover Walmer's Lost Pleasure Grounds

Originally a Tudor fortress, Walmer Castle has evolved into a homely residence for many well-known names from the Duke of Wellington to the Queen Mother. Inside you can explore Wellington’s career, the story of his life and death and even see the original Wellington Boots. Outside, discover majestic sea views and eight acres of magnificent gardens and woodland. See what’s happening in the kitchen garden too, where food and cut flowers are grown for the tearooms.

Winner of the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards 2018 - Best Community Initiative: Deal Community Hop Farm.

Winner of the Horticulture Week Custodian Awards 2017 - Best Garden or Arboretum.

Awarded Silver Gilt in the Heritage Garden of the Year category, South and South East in Bloom 2017.

Things to See and Do

Re-Discovering Walmer's Pleasure Grounds

With support from the Heritage Lottery Fund, a £2.3m project is currently underway at Walmer, aiming to revive and reunite gardens begun by William Pitt the Younger and assisted by his niece, Lady Hester Stanhope. The rejuvenation of these historic pleasure grounds will be combined with significant improvements to our visitor facilities, and we are looking forward to the unveiling of this exciting project early in 2019.

1540Walmer Garrisoned

A captain, lieutenant, ten gunners, four soldiers and two porters form Walmer’s first garrison.

1642Civil War

With the outbreak of civil war in England, the three castles come under Parliamentarian control.

1648Royalist Uprising

Fear for the future of the monarchy provokes a Royalist uprising. In Kent, Royalists occupy Sandown, Deal and Walmer castles, all of which are recaptured after siege and bloody fighting.

1727–Official Residence

The Duke of Dorset makes Walmer Castle an official residence as Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports and builds a new apartment and a garden.

1792–1806William Pitt

Prime Minister William Pitt is Lord Warden of the Cinque Ports. He makes improvements to the house and, together with his niece Lady Hester Stanhope, creates the framework of today’s extensive gardens and grounds.

1829The Duke of Wellington

The hero of Waterloo is made Lord Warden and frequently stays at the castle in summer. He often entertains and has friends and family to stay.

1842Royal Holiday Home

Queen Victoria stays at the castle for nearly a month with Prince Albert and their children.

1852Frozen in Time

Wellington dies at Walmer. His room is now displayed as it was on the day of his death.